In theory, these fractures happen at a space where stress is applied, and especially in areas where stress is concentrated due to the shape of the material (right angled corners, regions that narrow, nubs, etc.). So in theory, removing the shape factor that causes the stress concentration, or disassembling the piece such that it is no longer under stress should reduce the chance of fracture or collapse. However, as has been stated, this implies that the piece can be modified or disassembled without exceeding the critical stress for fracture, which may not be the case if physical properties have been compromised by the GPS process.

Will this solve the problem? No. The material will still be at the same risk of fracture or failure. However, the one silver lining in gold plastic is that in many examples, failure occurs at a consistent location. This, at least to me, means stress concentrators are probably playing a role in those spots, and may be exacerbated by shape factors, decohesion, and possibly even casting conditions. So knowing what to watch out for might make it easier to hold onto a complete figure.

I was a bit worried when taking out the screws, but it ended up being fine. I suppose "mileage may vary" when attempting a fix/solution.

Of course, don't get me wrong, I've dismantled several figures which have been fine as well, but it's just one of those things you can't bet on. Loosening screws may stave off GPS for a while longer, or it might just break it there and then.

Ultimately, collecting toys with gold plastic is like global thermonuclear war. The only way to win is not to play.

The last time GPS popped up would be Micromaster Superion. I'd hoped it would have been the last.

Ah man, that doesn't make me happy to learn. I thought G2 Slingshot and Torca were the only ones I had to worry about in my collection.

QUOTE(Benbot @ Feb 29 2012, 11:11 AM)

Does anyone have a list of recent figures (made in the last 10 years, not reissues) that suffer from this problem?

That'd actually be a very short list. Off the top of my head, between 2002 and now, only two mass market figures have used GPS-prone plastic, that being Cybertron Repugnus (although his gold parts aren't under much stress and don't really need to move, so they probably will be okay) and Micromaster Superion who is loaded with it. Almost all the white combiner parts are actually swirly gold plastic painted over in white. There were already reports of breakage as of last year, specifically in the clips that hold the fists on.

QUOTE(^0^CORVUS^o^ @ Feb 29 2012, 02:36 PM)

This just in: all 2013 Generations figures to be made of painted-over swirly, sparkly, gold plastic.